It is expected representatives from all Karen armed organizations will join the activities for the 70th Karen Revolution Day on January 31 in the Karen National Union’s Pa-An district, in Karen State. Local communities are excited with plans to hold a Karen traditional Don dance competition program at the event for the first time.

Saw Tha Mawt Phaung (a.k.a Saw Myint Thu), chief judge for the Don dance competition confirmed to Karen News that the traditional dance competition will be held.

“It is the first time (to include the program).” Saw Tha Mawt Phaung said. “Previously, we wanted to hold the don dance competition at the revolution day ceremony, we can now do it as we have supports [from experienced people in this field].”

According to organizers, the don dance competition will be divided into two levels. The first level is composed of five groups – Bone Ka Tite (Mote Ka Di) don group which won the first prize at the 63rd anniversary of Karen State Day’s Don dance competition, Hpa-an Township Don group, Chit Thu Myaing Don group, Thar Ma Nya Don group, and another don group representing Border Guard Force [BGF] region no. #3. The second level competition includes another seven Don Dance groups from various part of Karen State.

It has been reported that General Saw Chit Thu, the general secretary of the Karen State Border Guard Force is the main sponsor for the Don Dance competition. The competitions will be held on 28th, 29th and 30th of January, 2019, winners will be presented with prizes on 31st of January, marking the 70th of Karen Revolution Day.

The event will also include traditional Karen dances, plays and music concerts from different regions.